Monday, May 31, 2010

ROBERT, La. - Individuals falsely representing themselves as BP employees are offering applicants training and promising job placement for a fee. "It is important that the public be aware that this is a scam,” said Neil Chapman, BP spokesperson. “BP does not charge to train and hire applicants."BP is working closely with local authorities to prosecute the perpetrators to the fullest extent of the law. If you or someone you know has been charged fees for training, please contact law enforcement. “BP is committed to protecting the wildlife, marshlands, and residents. We will continue to engage the community in the Gulf region and provide services to ensure that no one, especially those affected by the DeepWater Horizon Incident, are taken advantage of.” For more information on legitimate hiring opportunities with BP, visit the website at deepwaterhorizonresponse.com or call 866-448-5816

The Ongoing Administration-Wide Response to the Deepwater BP Oil Spill

Prepared by the Joint Information Center

UPDATED May 31, 2010 6:30 PM* For a full timeline of the Administration-wide response, visit the White House Blog.PAST 24 HOURSSecretary Salazar Continues His Eighth Trip to the Gulf RegionAt the direction of President Obama, Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar continued his eighth trip to the Gulf region to continue his oversight of BP operations and to support federal scientists who are working to contain the oil flowing from BP’s leaking well. Secretary Salazar met with top BP officials, federal personnel and government scientists in Houston.While meeting with scientists and BP officials, Secretary Salazar emphasized the need to find an immediate, short-term solution to contain the leaking oil. The more permanent solution, the drilling of two relief wells can take up to several months to complete. U.S. government scientists, engineers and experts have been working with independent experts and BP officials on a variety of alternatives to contain the flow of oil immediately. Progress Continues in Drilling Relief WellsThe Development Driller III continues to drill the first relief well to a depth of more than 12,000 feet—10 days ahead of schedule—and is beginning to angle the well at 35 degrees. The Development Driller II has drilled the second relief well to a depth of 8,650 feet.Successful Controlled BurnFavorable weather conditions allowed responders to conduct a successful controlled burn operation. As part of a coordinated response that combines tactics deployed above water, below water, offshore, and close to coastal areas, controlled burns efficiently remove oil from the open water in an effort to protect shoreline and wildlife. In total, more than 100 burns have been conducted to remove a total of 2.8 million gallons of oil from the water to date.Federal Mobile Medial Unit Arrives in LouisianaA federal mobile medical unit arrived in Venice, La., today to provide additional basic medical care for responders and residents of coastal communities affected by the oil spill.The mobile medical unit, provided by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services in coordination with the Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals, will integrate with the local medical community to triage and provide basic care for responders and residents concerned about health effects of the oil spill. Patients then can be referred to local healthcare providers or hospitals.Gulf Fishing Restrictions Expanded; 74 Percent Remains OpenNOAA extended the northern boundary of the closed fishing area in the Gulf of Mexico up to the Mississippi federal-state water line and portions of the Alabama federal-state water line—this federal closure does not apply to any state waters. Closing fishing in these areas is a precautionary measure to ensure that seafood from the Gulf will remain safe for consumers.The closed area now represents 61,854 square miles, which is slightly less than 26 percent of Gulf of Mexico federal waters. This leaves more than 74 percent of Gulf federal waters available for fishing. Details can be found at http://sero.nmfs.noaa.gov/.

This extension of the federal fishing closed area due to the Deepwater Horizon/BP oil spill coincides with the June 1 opening of the Gulf of Mexico recreational red snapper season, and will affect some areas targeted by charter boat captains and private anglers. However, NOAA Fisheries Service is increasing the level of data collection to more closely monitor the effects of the oil spill on Gulf recreational fishing. This will allow the agency to adjust the closure date for recreational fishing seasons as appropriate, including the red snapper season which is scheduled to close at 12:01 a.m. July 24.Property Damage Claims ProcessedThe administration will continue to hold the responsible parties accountable for repairing the damage, and repaying Americans who’ve suffered a financial loss as a result of the BP oil spill. BP continues to process claims via its claims website (www.bp.com/claims) and its helpline (1-800-440-0858). BP reports that 30,619 claims have been opened, from which $39.4 million have been disbursed. No claims have been denied to date. There are more than 481 claims adjusters on the ground. To file a claim, visit www.bp.com/claims or call BP’s helpline at 1-800-440-0858. Those who have already pursued the BP claims process and are not satisfied with BP’s resolution can call the Coast Guard at (800) 280-7118.Air and Ground Wildlife Rescue and Cleanup Assessment Missions ContinueFour wildlife rescue and survey flights were conducted, and 28 boat surveillance and recovery teams continue to patrol wetlands, beaches and shoreline areas to survey potentially impacted wildlife and assess impact by oil.By the Numbers to Date:• More than 20,000 personnel are currently responding to protect the shoreline and wildlife and cleanup vital coastlines.• More than 1,700 vessels are responding on site, including skimmers, tugs, barges, and recovery vessels to assist in containment and cleanup efforts—in addition to dozens of aircraft, remotely operated vehicles, and multiple mobile offshore drilling units.• Approximately 1.95 million feet of containment boom and 1.85 million feet of sorbent boom have been deployed to contain the spill—and approximately 610,000 feet of containment boom and 1.8 million feet of sorbent boom are available.• Approximately 13.5 million gallons of an oil-water mix have been recovered.• Approximately 950,000 gallons of total dispersant have been deployed—740,000 on the surface and 210,000 subsea. More than 430,000 gallons are available.• 17 staging areas are in place and ready to protect sensitive shorelines, including: Dauphin Island, Ala., Orange Beach, Ala., Theodore, Ala., Panama City, Fla., Pensacola, Fla., Port St. Joe, Fla., St. Marks, Fla., Amelia, La., Cocodrie, La., Grand Isle, La., Shell Beach, La., Slidell, La., St. Mary, La.; Venice, La., Biloxi, Miss., Pascagoula, Miss., and Pass Christian, Miss.Resources:• For information about the response effort, visit www.deepwaterhorizonresponse.com.• For specific information about the federal-wide response, visit http://www.whitehouse.gov/deepwater-bp-oil-spill.• To contact the Deepwater Horizon Joint Information Center, call (985) 902-5231.• To volunteer, or to report oiled shoreline, call (866) 448-5816. Volunteer opportunities can also be found here.• To submit your vessel as a vessel of opportunity skimming system, or to submit alternative response technology, services, or products, call 281-366-5511.• To report oiled wildlife, call (866) 557-1401. Messages will be checked hourly.• For information about validated environmental air and water sampling results, visit www.epa.gov/bpspill.• For National Park Service updates about potential park closures, resources at risk, and NPS actions to protect vital park space and wildlife, visit http://www.nps.gov/aboutus/oil-spill-response.htm.• For Fish and Wildlife Service updates about response along the Gulf Coast and the status of national wildlife refuges, visit http://www.fws.gov/home/dhoilspill/.• For daily updates on fishing closures, visit http://sero.nmfs.noaa.gov. • For information on assistance loans for affected businesses, visit the SBA’s Web site at www.sba.gov/services/disasterassistance, call (800) 659-2955 (800-877-8339 for the hearing impaired), or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov.• To file a claim with BP, visit www.bp.com/claims or call BP’s helpline at (800) 440-0858. A BP fact sheet with additional information is available here. Those who have already pursued the BP claims process and are not satisfied with BP’s resolution, can call the Coast Guard at (800) 280-7118. More information about what types of damages are eligible for compensation under the Oil Pollution Act as well as guidance on procedures to seek that compensation can be found here.

On May 29, local time, 20 tons of replenishment materials transported by the “Guyuhe” merchant ship of the Shanghai Ocean Shipping Company Ltd. which was entrusted by the Navy of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) were smoothly delivered to the 5th Chinese naval escort taskforce in the sea area south to the Gulf of Aden. This was the first time for the 5th Chinese naval escort taskforce to have its warships replenished by relying on merchant ship and also the biggest by-pass replenishment made by a merchant ship since the taskforce began to perform escort task.
As the side of the big tonnage “Guyuhe” merchant ship is high, the ship could not approach the warships. Therefore, the whole replenishment was done through the transfer by small boats. To speed up the material transfer, the “Chaohu” warship and the “Weishanhu” warship were anchored side by side. Each of the warships sent two small boats to transfer the materials. The whole replenishment lasted for more than 8 hours.
There were fruits, frozen goods, vegetables, seasoning and staple foods in this replenishment. Chen Yuebin, captain of the “Guyuhe” merchant ship, told the reporters that to ensure the quality of the replenishment, the Quartermaster, Materials and POL Department of the Logistics Department of the PLA Navy used refrigerated container for the first time.
The relevant person in charge of the Logistics Department of the PLA Navy told the reporters that the logistics supply of the naval escort taskforce had formed a rather complete “ocean-going supply chain” including maritime accompanying support, regular replenishment in port and by-pass replenishment by merchant ships.

On Tuesday 25 May 2010, the Royal Australian Navy interdicted a vessel suspected of involvement in piracy operations in the Gulf of Aden.During a counter-piracy patrol, HMAS Parramatta located a suspect vessel in the vicinity of a route heavily trafficked by merchant shipping frequently targeted by Somali pirates.Parramatta’s Operations Officer, Lieutenant Tony Nagle, said that at the time the vessel or ‘skiff’ was sighted by Parramatta, the suspected pirates were throwing a range of items overboard, including suspected weapons. “Given their location and that their behaviour was typical of pirates in this region, it appeared that they were loitering with the intent to carry out an attack on a merchant vessel this evening,” Lieutenant Nagle said.Parramatta’s Boarding Party approached and boarded the vessel and identified that the suspected pirates were from Somalia. A search of the vessel did not reveal any further weapons. Equipment and supplies potentially used to undertake piracy activities were removed from the skiff. As no act of piracy had been committed, the skiff was left with ample fuel, sufficient water, flares and a compass to return safely to Somalia.Commanding Officer of Parramatta Commander Heath Robertson said his Ship’s Company performed their duties well during the interception.“Parramatta’s men and women did well tonight, successfully deterred a possible pirate attack on innocent merchant vessels transiting through the Internationally Recommended Transit Corridor,” Commander Robertson said.Since her departure from Sydney in March, Parramatta has been involved in counter terrorism maritime security operations and had commenced counter-piracy patrols two days before conducting this successful boarding and piracy disruption.Parramatta is currently conducting counter-piracy patrols under the command of Combined Task Force 151 as part of her deployment to the Middle East Area of Operations in support of OP SLIPPER. She is expected to be deployed for six months before returning to her home port, Sydney in September 2010.

KODIAK, Alaska - A Coast Guard Air Station Kodiak HC-130 Hercules aircrew conducted a second overflight of the Russian North Pole 37 Station Saturday evening to reassess the safety of the Russian researchers more than 500 miles northeast of Point Barrow.

The Kodiak-based aircrew flew to the last known postion of the research station, discovered the camp had moved and reestablished communications with the research team. The researchers reported they were well supplied, in no immediate distress and were preparing for the arrival of the Rossiya, an Arktika-class Russian nuclear-powered icebreaker, which was reported being only two days out.

The 17th Coast Guard District obtained information from a website about May 18 that 15 researchers at the Russian station were being threatened by shifting ice. The first overflight that was conducted successfully made contact with the research team and it was reported they were in good condition, well supplied and waiting for the Russian icebreaker.

USCGC Comanche (ATA-202, WATA-202, WMEC-202) Comanche 2009Type: ATA-170-class tug Built At: Gulfport Boiler & Welding Works, Port Arthur, Texas Commissioned: 8 December 1944 Length: 143 feet Beam: 33 feet, 10 inches Displacement: 860 tons Draft: 13 feet, two inches Speed: 13 knots Propulsion: 2 - Cleveland V12-228A diesel-electric engines, 4-blade single screw. Complement: 7 officers, 42 enlisted Armament: one 3"/50 gun, two twin 40mm guns Address for Correspondence: Comanche 202 Foundation 403 Garfield Street, S. Tacoma, WA 98444-3625 (253) 227-9678 Joe Peterson, President Email: ata202@live.com http://www.76fsa.org/comanche/Address to Visit: When not underway: Foss Waterway Seaport Working Waterfront Maritime Museum 705 Dock St. E. Tacoma, WA 98402. Latitude: 47.2580406942, Longitude: -122.436640362 During WW II the U.S. Navy began to order large heavy duty ocean-going tugs, particularly for the purpose of towing naval vessels damaged and disabled in combat. Eighty-nine ATA tugs were built by end of the war. After commissioning in Texas, ATA-202 proceeded via the Panama Canal to the Pacific reporting for duty in support of the Okinawa campaign at Ulithi atoll. ATs (tugs) were almost indispensable at logistic anchorages and in support of invasions they performed noteworthy service. ATA-202 was awarded one battle star for towing battle-damaged ships out of the line of fire to U.S. Navy facilities for repair. She returned to the United States in September, 1945. ATA-202 began duty in the 11th Naval District at San Diego towing various US Navy vessels and barges as needed. She was reassigned to the Atlantic Reserve Fleet's Texas Group in March 1946 and named USS Wampanoag on July 16, 1948. She was later laid up in the Atlantic Reserve Fleet. In February of 1959, USS Wampanoag was loaned to the U.S. Coast Guard by the U.S. Navy. They commissioned ATA-202 as the USCG Cutter Comanche WATA-202 and later changed this to WMEC-202. On 1 June 1969, the Navy permanently transferred Comanche to the Coast Guard Comanche was first home-ported in California USCG District 11 and later USCG District 12, where she was assigned to law enforcement and search and rescue patrols as well as the re-supply of remote light stations and lightships. She became a well known Coast Guard vessel along the Pacific coast, a standard bearer of the Coast Guard's motto Semper Paratus - "always ready", rendering assistance to numerous ships, fishing boats and recreational vessels and Federal law enforcement service. Examples of Comanche's routine multi-purpose services' included towing the 523-foot tanker SS Cottonwood Creek to safety after it became disabled with fire in the engine room. During the same year she responded to a distress call from the Japanese freighter Kokoku Maru after the freighter collided with another vessel. One Japanese seaman was killed and the other 43 crewmen abandoned their ship and were rescued by the Comanche. She gave the first U.S. "notice of a violation" ever given to a foreign fishing vessel on the Pacific Coast fisheries. In 1967, Comanche was stationed at Corpus Christi, Texas, performing many of the same services it rendered in the Pacific. She also did piracy patrols off the coast of Cuba and South America, intercepting stolen boats. She returned to the west coast in 1969, home ported at Eureka, California until she was decommissioned on 30 January 1980. After a decade of sitting idle on the Sacramento River in California, Comanche was acquired by Dave Howard of Toledo, Washington for private commercial tug service in the early 1990s and moved to the Puget Sound of Washington State. Comanche became one of the largest commercial tugs on the Puget Sound, towing a wide variety of commercial vessels from Mexico to Alaska. On September 11, 2007, Comanche 202 Foundation was granted exempt status by the IRS and in October, vessel Comanche was donated to the Comanche 202 Foundation which is restoring the vessel through the work of volunteers, many of whom actively served on her in their younger days.

USNS LCPL ROY M. WHEAT, At sea (NNS) -- Merchant marine vessel USNS LCpl. Roy M. Wheat (T-AK 3016) participated in exercise Phoenix Express 2010 (PE10) as a mock boarding vessel for Maritime Interdiction Operations (MIO) teams.PE10 is a two-week, two-phase multinational, maritime exercise among regional partners from Africa, Europe and the United States. During PE10's second phase at-sea portion in the Mediterranean Sea MIO teams from different participating countries practiced various evolutions such as visit, board, search and seizures and helo visit, board, search and seizures on different vessels.USNS Wheat was the biggest vessel that provided MIO teams with an ideal boarding environment and a chance to utilize what they had learned during PE10's first phase in-port at Souda Bay, Greece.An average of two boardings per day by different countries took place. Wheat's Commanding Officer Capt. John W. Matfield was on the bridge to meet each newly arriving team and watch as they commandeered his ship."It's been interesting to see the different forces at work and how hard it is to pull it all together," said Matfield. "But it also surprises me that these teams do as well as they do on such short notices."boarding team officer from the Portuguese Navy 2nd Lt. Doris Fonseca came aboard the Wheat as her country's MIO team performed a fast rope landing onto the Wheat's flight deck then secured the ship's bridge, crew members and engine room. She directed operations as the team performed a search through certain ship's spaces to find simulated, illegal material such as firearms."I think our team did very well," said Fonseca. "We don't have too many ships like the Wheat to practice this kind of training. The Wheat is a large ship but we were able to sweep all the compartments and we found what we were looking for."According to Fonseca, exercises like PE10 are great for preparing her country to deal with international maritime concerns such as Somalia and the Horn of Africa.Matfield explained his willingness to allow so many foreign boarders onto his vessel."The Wheat's motto is 'Whatever, wherever, whenever' so the crew and I see this exercise as a part of our job as well as a break from our normal routine," said Matfield. "We want to provide the teams with a realistic experience because for the most part their training platforms are not as similar as a commercial vessel." A U.S. Navy Expeditionary Combat Command MIO trainer was on board Wheat to observe team performances during the week. He felt he could see all the training successfully come together."For the boarding teams which were able to go through the entire training phase of PE10 it is evident they have integrated those lessons into their operations," he said. "The best part of the underway phase is to have those same boarding teams put the knowledge to practical use while we simultaneously continue to provide feedback and training to better prepare them for the future." PE10 is the second Phoenix Express exercise USNS Wheat, originally a Ukranian built and owned ship has participated in.Wheat was commissioned as a U.S. Naval ship in late 2001. As part of the Navy's Military Sealift Command, Wheat is primarily used for the U.S. Marine Corps. The Wheat is named in honor of Marine Corps LCpl. Roy M. Wheat who died in 1967 during the Vietnam War and was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor.PE10 is the fifth annual exercise in a long-term effort to improve regional cooperation and maritime security. The principal aim of Phoenix Express is to increase interoperability between participating countries as well as promote friendship, mutual understanding and cooperation.

USS SAN JACINTO, Arabian Sea (NNS) -- The Ticonderoga class guided-missile cruiser, USS San Jacinto (CG 56) rescued five Yemeni mariners from suspected pirates May 26, while conducting routine counter narcotics operations, 68 miles southeast of Ras Fartak, Yemen.San Jacinto dispatched a boarding team, in two rigid hull inflatable boats, to perform an approach and assist visit on the Yemeni dhow, Al Jawat, and conduct a routine inspection. When all of the personnel were mustered on the bow of the dhow, the team discovered one person hiding under a blanket and a hidden cache of four AK-47 assault rifles and four rocket-propelled grenades during a search of the ship.Upon conversation with the master of the vessel, the team learned 13 suspected pirates were on board, attempting to blend in as part of the crew. The master identified the suspected pirates and the team detained them on the dhow without conflict. The crew and suspected pirates remained on the dhow as Yemeni authorities were contacted. The Yemeni Navy dispatched a patrol boat from Al Mukalla, Yemen, to take custody of the suspected pirates and spoke with the crew members to investigate the incident. The master stated his dhow had been under pirate control for one day only.San Jacinto was on a routine counter narcotics patrol in the Arabian Sea, conducting a maritime inspection in international waters when the pirates were discovered.U.S. forces conduct Maritime Security Operations to help set the conditions for security in the maritime environment.

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. -- Petty Officer 2nd Class Allan Layne (left) and Petty Officer 3rd Class Henry Romeu drop a satellite-enabled data marker buoy into the Gulf of Mexico from a C-130 aircraft from Coast Guard Air Station Clearwater, Fla., to help track the spill, May 29, 2010. The C-130 aircrew conducted the survey flight in support of the Administration-wide response to the Deepwater Horizon/BP oil spill. U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Nick Ameen.

The Ongoing Administration-Wide Response to the Deepwater BP Oil SpillPrepared by the Joint Information CenterUPDATED May 30, 2010 5 PM EDT* For a full timeline of the Administration-wide response, visit the White House Blog.PAST 24 HOURSGovernment Scientists Estimate that BP’s Pending Riser Cut Could Result in a Temporary Oil Flow Increase of up to 20 PercentIn order to ensure the American public receive the most accurate information, Assistant to the President for Energy and Climate Change Policy Carol Browner provided an estimate, calculated by government scientists, that BP’s tactic involving cutting off a kinked portion of the riser and attempt to lower a device over the area—allowing them to try and capture a substantial amount of the oil leaking out—could result in a temporary increase in oil flow by as much as 20 percent until the containment device is applied over the leak. The Flow Rate Task Force will continue to evaluate a potential temporary increase as a result of this tactic and will provide any additional assessments as they become available. Secretary Salazar Makes His Eighth Trip to the Gulf RegionAt the direction of the President, Department of the Interior Secretary Ken Salazar made his eighth trip to the Gulf region to continue his work aggressively responding to the BP oil spill. His actions on scene are being coordinated by National Incident Commander Admiral Thad Allen, who is leading the administration-wide response and directing all interagency activities.Secretary Salazar met with top BP officials, federal personnel and government scientists in Houston to get a firsthand account of the on-scene direction and oversight of BP's efforts to cap the leaking well.Oil Impact Surveillance, Recovery and Rescue Teams Patrol Affected Area28 boat surveillance and recovery teams have been deployed in the areas most impacted by the leaking oil, conducting active cleanup operations and patrolling wetlands, beaches and shoreline areas for wildlife and to ensure that cleanup crews were are operating effectively and reporting impacted wildlife. Four wildlife rescue and survey flights were conducted.Progress Continues in Drilling Relief WellsThe Development Driller III and Development Driller II continue to drill the first relief well to a depth of 12,000 feet, and second relief well to a depth of 8,500 feet, respectively. By the Numbers to Date:• More than 20,000 personnel are currently responding to protect the shoreline and wildlife and cleanup vital coastlines.• More than 1,400 vessels are responding on site, including skimmers, tugs, barges, and recovery vessels to assist in containment and cleanup efforts—in addition to dozens of aircraft, remotely operated vehicles, and multiple mobile offshore drilling units.• Approximately 1.9 million feet of containment boom and 1.85 million feet of sorbent boom have been deployed to contain the spill—and approximately 500,000 feet of containment boom and 1.5 million feet of sorbent boom are available.• Approximately 13.1 million gallons of an oil-water mix have been recovered.• Approximately 920,000 gallons of total dispersant have been deployed—720,000 on the surface and 200,000 subsea. More than 430,000 gallons are available.• 17 staging areas are in place and ready to protect sensitive shorelines, including: Dauphin Island, Ala., Orange Beach, Ala., Theodore, Ala., Panama City, Fla., Pensacola, Fla., Port St. Joe, Fla., St. Marks, Fla., Amelia, La., Cocodrie, La., Grand Isle, La., Shell Beach, La., Slidell, La., St. Mary, La.; Venice, La., Biloxi, Miss., Pascagoula, Miss., and Pass Christian, Miss.Resources:• For information about the response effort, visit www.deepwaterhorizonresponse.com.• For specific information about the federal-wide response, visit http://www.whitehouse.gov/deepwater-bp-oil-spill.• To contact the Deepwater Horizon Joint Information Center, call (985) 902-5231.• To volunteer, or to report oiled shoreline, call (866) 448-5816. Volunteer opportunities can also be found here.• To submit your vessel as a vessel of opportunity skimming system, or to submit alternative response technology, services, or products, call 281-366-5511.• To report oiled wildlife, call (866) 557-1401. Messages will be checked hourly.• For information about validated environmental air and water sampling results, visit www.epa.gov/bpspill.• For National Park Service updates about potential park closures, resources at risk, and NPS actions to protect vital park space and wildlife, visit http://www.nps.gov/aboutus/oil-spill-response.htm. • For Fish and Wildlife Service updates about response along the Gulf Coast and the status of national wildlife refuges, visit http://www.fws.gov/home/dhoilspill/. • For daily updates on fishing closures, visit http://sero.nmfs.noaa.gov. • For information on assistance loans for affected businesses, visit the SBA’s Web site at www.sba.gov/services/disasterassistance, call (800) 659-2955 (800-877-8339 for the hearing impaired), or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov. • To file a claim with BP, visit www.bp.com/claims or call BP’s helpline at (800) 440-0858. A BP fact sheet with additional information is available here. Those who have already pursued the BP claims process and are not satisfied with BP’s resolution, can call the Coast Guard at (800) 280-7118.

Saturday, May 29, 2010

The Ongoing Administration-Wide Response to the Deepwater BP Oil SpillPrepared by the Joint Information CenterUPDATED May 29, 2010 7 PM* For a full timeline of the Administration-wide response, visit the White House Blog.PAST 24 HOURSBP Halts “Top Kill” Attempt; Lays Out Next StepsBP announced that it will case its unsuccessful attempt to use the “top kill” technique to cap the well—a decision made under approval and consultation with federal government scientists and engineers, including Energy Secretary Steven Chu. BP will now cut off a kinked portion of the riser and attempt to lower a device over the area that will allow them to try and capture a substantial amount of the oil leaking out.The President issued the following statement: Today, I’ve spoken with National Incident Commander Admiral Thad Allen, as well as Energy Secretary Steven Chu, Interior Secretary Ken Salazar, EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson, and senior White House advisors John Brennan and Carol Browner regarding the ongoing efforts to stop the BP oil spill. From the beginning, our concern has been that the surest way to stop the flow of oil – the drilling of relief wells – would take several months to complete. So engineers and experts have explored a variety of alternatives to stop the leak now. They had hoped that the top kill approach attempted this week would halt the flow of oil and gas currently escaping from the seafloor. But while we initially received optimistic reports about the procedure, it is now clear that it has not worked. Rear Admiral Mary Landry today directed BP to launch a new procedure whereby the riser pipe will be cut and a containment structure fitted over the leak. This approach is not without risk and has never been attempted before at this depth. That is why it was not activated until other methods had been exhausted. It will be difficult and will take several days. It is also important to note that while we were hopeful that the top kill would succeed, we were also mindful that there was a significant chance it would not. And we will continue to pursue any and all responsible means of stopping this leak until the completion of the two relief wells currently being drilled.As I said yesterday, every day that this leak continues is an assault on the people of the Gulf Coast region, their livelihoods, and the natural bounty that belongs to all of us. It is as enraging as it is heartbreaking, and we will not relent until this leak is contained, until the waters and shores are cleaned up, and until the people unjustly victimized by this manmade disaster are made whole.The President Dispatches Top Officials to Return to the Gulf RegionAt the direction of the President, Department of the Interior Secretary Ken Salazar, Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lisa Jackson and NOAA Administrator Jane Lubchenco will return to the Gulf region next week as they continue their work, aggressively responding to the BP oil spill.These officials’ actions on scene will be coordinated by National Incident Commander Admiral Thad Allen, who is leading the administration-wide response and directing all interagency activities.Administrator Jackson will make her fourth trip to the Gulf Coast to inspect coastline protection and cleanup activities and meet with community members to discuss ongoing efforts to mitigate the oil's impacts on public health and the environment. A native of the Gulf region, Administrator Jackson will spend a total of six days on the ground, visiting Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama to review plans for cleanup of oil-impacted wetlands and marshes, analyze scientific monitoring of dispersant use, and ensure that recovery and cleanup plans are proceeding quickly.Secretary Salazar will make his eighth trip to the area to meet with top BP officials, federal personnel and government scientists in Houston to get a firsthand account of the on-scene direction and oversight of BP's efforts to cap the leaking well. He will also participate in discussions with state, local and business leaders to discuss the ways the administration is supporting their communities during this catastrophe.Administrator Lubchenco will make her third visit to the affected area to meet with top government and independent scientists and engineers who are working with BP and coordinating efforts across the federal government to ensure the best science is used to assess and mitigate the BP oil spill’s impacts to the environment.Visits by Senior Officials to the Affected Region Total 28In total, senior administration officials have visited the region 28 times since BP's oil rig exploded on April 20—including trips by the President, National Incident Commander Admiral Thad Allen, Interior Secretary Salazar, EPA Administrator Jackson, Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano, Energy Secretary Steven Chu, Commerce Secretary Gary Locke, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Admiral Mike Mullen, NOAA Administrator Lubchenco and SBA Administrator Karen Mills.Progress Continues in Drilling Relief WellsThe Development Driller III and Development Driller II continue to drill the first and second relief wells, respectively.By the Numbers to Date:• Personnel were quickly deployed and more than 20,000 are currently responding to protect the shoreline and wildlife.• More than 1,400 vessels are responding on site, including skimmers, tugs, barges, and recovery vessels to assist in containment and cleanup efforts—in addition to dozens of aircraft, remotely operated vehicles, and multiple mobile offshore drilling units.• Approximately 1.9 million feet of containment boom and 1.8 million feet of sorbent boom have been deployed to contain the spill—and approximately 390,000 feet of containment boom and 1.27 million feet of sorbent boom are available.• Approximately 12.1 million gallons of an oil-water mix have been recovered.• Approximately 910,000 gallons of total dispersant have been deployed—720,000 on the surface and 180,000 subsea. More than 450,000 gallons are available.• 17 staging areas are in place and ready to protect sensitive shorelines, including: Dauphin Island, Ala., Orange Beach, Ala., Theodore, Ala., Panama City, Fla., Pensacola, Fla., Port St. Joe, Fla., St. Marks, Fla., Amelia, La., Cocodrie, La., Grand Isle, La., Shell Beach, La., Slidell, La., St. Mary, La.; Venice, La., Biloxi, Miss., Pascagoula, Miss., and Pass Christian, Miss.Resources:• For information about the response effort, visit www.deepwaterhorizonresponse.com.• For specific information about the federal-wide response, visit http://www.whitehouse.gov/deepwater-bp-oil-spill.• To contact the Deepwater Horizon Joint Information Center, call (985) 902-5231.• To volunteer, or to report oiled shoreline, call (866) 448-5816. Volunteer opportunities can also be found here.• To submit your vessel as a vessel of opportunity skimming system, or to submit alternative response technology, services, or products, call 281-366-5511.• To report oiled wildlife, call (866) 557-1401. Messages will be checked hourly.• For information about validated environmental air and water sampling results, visit www.epa.gov/bpspill.• For National Park Service updates about potential park closures, resources at risk, and NPS actions to protect vital park space and wildlife, visit http://www.nps.gov/aboutus/oil-spill-response.htm.• For Fish and Wildlife Service updates about response along the Gulf Coast and the status of national wildlife refuges, visit http://www.fws.gov/home/dhoilspill/.• For daily updates on fishing closures, visit http://sero.nmfs.noaa.gov. • For information on assistance loans for affected businesses, visit the SBA’s Web site at www.sba.gov/services/disasterassistance, call (800) 659-2955 (800-877-8339 for the hearing impaired), or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov.• To file a claim with BP, visit www.bp.com/claims or call BP’s helpline at (800) 440-0858. A BP fact sheet with additional information is available here. Those who have already pursued the BP claims process and are not satisfied with BP’s resolution, can call the Coast Guard at (800) 280-7118.

Friday, May 28, 2010

The Ongoing Administration-Wide Response to the Deepwater BP Oil SpillPrepared by the Joint Information CenterUPDATED May 28, 2010 7 PM* For a full timeline of the Administration-wide response, visit the White House Blog.PAST 24 HOURSThe President Makes Second Trip to the Gulf Coast to View Response FirsthandPresident Obama traveled to the Gulf Coast to get another first-hand look at the progress of the response efforts and to be briefed by those on the ground. The President spoke to the frustration felt by those in the local community and across America and discussed extensively what he saw touring the tragedy this morning. The President also commended those in the area who have “rolled up their sleeves” to help with the clean up, saying that “we’re in this together.” The President announced that he has directed Secretary Napolitano and Admiral Allen to triple the manpower in the places where oil has hit the shore or is within 24 hours of impact in order to further intensify what’s already an historic response effort, contain and remove oil more quickly, and help minimize the time that any oil comes into contact with our coastline.The President also stressed that everyone in Louisiana and across this region is working night and day to end this crisis. He said the federal government is considering every idea out there, especially from the folks who know these communities the best—and emphasized to all Gulf Coast leaders he met with that if something is not going right, if there is an idea, a suggestion, or a logjam that needs to be dealt with, that there is no one who can’t get in touch with himself directly.At the briefing in Grand Isle, La., the President was joined by National Incident Commander Thad Allen, Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal, Alabama Governor Bob Riley, Florida Governor Charlie Crist, U.S. Senators Mary Landrieu and David Vitter, Congressman Charlie Melancon, Jefferson Parish President Billy Nungesser and LaFourche Parish President Charlotte Randolph.In total, senior administration officials have visited the region 26 times since BP’s oil rig exploded on April 20—including trips by the President, Interior Secretary Salazar, EPA Administrator Jackson, Admiral Allen, Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano, Energy Secretary Steven Chu, Commerce Secretary Gary Locke, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Admiral Mike Mullen, NOAA Administrator Jane Lubchenco and SBA Administrator Karen Mills.Energy Secretary Chu Oversees “Top Kill” Procedure at BP Command Center At the request of President Obama, Secretary Chu has been at BP’s Command Center in Houston monitoring the ongoing “top kill” attempt—analyzing the data in real time and helping to develop strategies to give it the best chances of success. In the days leading up to the “top kill” attempt, Secretary Chu and his team of National Laboratory scientists provided expert advice and technical support to test the assumptions behind BP’s work and to offer analytical rigor. NOAA Ships Study Subsurface Plume and CurrentsThe NOAA Ship Gordon Gunter is currently conducting sampling in the Gulf, and will expand its mission to use its sophisticated sonar equipment and other scientific instruments to help define the subsurface plume near the BP Deepwater Horizon oil spill site—a collaborative project among NOAA, academia and the private sector. If potential plumes are identified, the 224-ft. Gunter will deploy a unique autonomous underwater vehicle to take water samples at various depths to allow precise characterization of any oil, dispersants, or other substances in the plume. Also aboard is a graduated net used for sampling fish larvae at different depths.Another NOAA Ship, the Thomas Jefferson, arrived this morning in New Orleans following a five-day mission to gather data on surface and deep currents that are distributing the oil. On June 1, the 204-foot survey vessel will set sail again to conduct sonar surveys, measure water chemistry, and take water samples.SBA Approves More Than $1 million in Economic Injury Assistance Loans for LouisianaSBA has approved 27 economic injury assistance loans to date, totaling $1,008,000, for small businesses in Louisiana impacted by the BP oil spill. Additionally, the agency has granted deferments on 158 existing SBA disaster loans in the Gulf Coast region.Fishing Closures Expanded in the Gulf of MexicoAs a precautionary measure to ensure that seafood from the Gulf will remain safe for consumers, NOAA has expanded the closed fishing area to an area that now represents 60,683 square miles—approximately 25 percent of Gulf of Mexico federal waters—leaving approximately 75 percent still available for fishing. Closing fishing in these areas is. Details can be found at http://sero.nmfs.noaa.gov/.NOAA continues to work closely with the Food and Drug Administration and the states to ensure seafood safety. According to NOAA, there are approximately 5.7 million recreational fishermen in the Gulf of Mexico region who took 25 million fishing trips in 2008. Commercial fishermen in the Gulf harvested more than one billion pounds of fish and shellfish in 2008. Fishermen who wish to contact BP about a claim should call 800-440-0858. Property Damage Claims ProcessedThe administration will continue to hold the responsible parties accountable for repairing the damage and repaying Americans who’ve suffered a financial loss. To date, BP reports that 28,233 claims have been opened, from which $37.4 million has been disbursed. There are 440 claims adjusters on the ground. To file a claim with BP, visit www.bp.com/claims or call BP’s helpline at (800) 440-0858. Those who have already pursued the BP claims process and are not satisfied with BP’s resolution, can call the Coast Guard at (800) 280-7118. Successful Controlled BurnFavorable weather conditions allowed responders to conduct a successful controlled burn operation. As part of a coordinated response that combines tactics deployed above water, below water, offshore, and close to coastal areas, controlled burns efficiently remove oil from the open water in an effort to protect shoreline and wildlife. By the Numbers to Date:• Personnel were quickly deployed and approximately 20,000 are currently responding to protect the shoreline and wildlife.• Approximately 1,400 vessels are responding on site, including skimmers, tugs, barges, and recovery vessels to assist in containment and cleanup efforts—in addition to dozens of aircraft, remotely operated vehicles, and multiple mobile offshore drilling units.• Approximately 1.9 million feet of containment boom and 1.5 million feet of sorbent boom have been deployed to contain the spill—and approximately 250,000 feet of containment boom and 950,000 feet of sorbent boom are available.• Approximately 11.8 million gallons of an oil-water mix have been recovered.• Approximately 870,000 gallons of total dispersant have been deployed—700,000 on the surface and 170,000 subsea. More than 400,000 gallons are available.• 17 staging areas are in place and ready to protect sensitive shorelines, including: Dauphin Island, Ala., Orange Beach, Ala., Theodore, Ala., Panama City, Fla., Pensacola, Fla., Port St. Joe, Fla., St. Marks, Fla., Amelia, La., Cocodrie, La., Grand Isle, La., Shell Beach, La., Slidell, La., St. Mary, La.; Venice, La., Biloxi, Miss., Pascagoula, Miss., and Pass Christian, Miss.Resources:• For information about the response effort, visit www.deepwaterhorizonresponse.com.• For specific information about the federal-wide response, visit http://www.whitehouse.gov/deepwater-bp-oil-spill.• To contact the Deepwater Horizon Joint Information Center, call (985) 902-5231.• To volunteer, or to report oiled shoreline, call (866) 448-5816. Volunteer opportunities can also be found here.• To submit your vessel as a vessel of opportunity skimming system, or to submit alternative response technology, services, or products, call 281-366-5511.• To report oiled wildlife, call (866) 557-1401. Messages will be checked hourly.• For information about validated environmental air and water sampling results, visitwww.epa.gov/bpspill.• For National Park Service updates about potential park closures, resources at risk, and NPS actions to protect vital park space and wildlife, visit http://www.nps.gov/aboutus/oil-spill-response.htm.• For Fish and Wildlife Service updates about response along the Gulf Coast and the status of national wildlife refuges, visit http://www.fws.gov/home/dhoilspill/.• For daily updates on fishing closures, visit http://sero.nmfs.noaa.gov. • For information on assistance loans for affected businesses, visit the SBA’s Web site atwww.sba.gov/services/disasterassistance, call (800) 659-2955 (800-877-8339 for the hearing impaired), or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov.• To file a claim with BP, visit www.bp.com/claims or call BP’s helpline at (800) 440-0858. A BP fact sheet with additional information is available here. Those who have already pursued the BP claims process and are not satisfied with BP’s resolution, can call the Coast Guard at (800) 280-7118. More information about what types of damages are eligible for compensation under the Oil Pollution Act as well as guidance on procedures to seek that compensation can be found here. • For information about the response effort, visit www.deepwaterhorizonresponse.com.

Keyport WA May 28, 2010 - Members of the U.S. Navy Bremerton Base Submarine Veterans (SubVets) Association hosted a "Tolling of the Boats" ceremony at the Naval Undersea Museum in Keyport, Wash., May 27.More than 100 Sailors, guests and veterans attended the event.Cmdr. Dan Packer, commanding officer of USS Seawolf (SSN 21), spoke to those in attendance about the courage and commitment of the World War II submarine veterans and the importance of honoring them."It is very important for us to recognize those who have gone before us because these heroes set the example for us to follow," said Packer. "We do this by honoring them at this ceremony, and it is great way to teach our junior shipmates about their history and how this is an important and honorable profession." Sonar Technician (Submarines) 2nd Class Brandon Collins said the ceremony was something all Sailors and submariners should witness at least once."I have never experienced this before so I wanted to be a part of it and witness it as a way to show my appreciation for the submariners who gave their life in defense of our country," said Collins. "It was exciting to meet with some of the older submariners, because they have some great stories to tell, and it is nice to reflect on the past."

Retired Lt. Cmdr. Bill Hipp, a World War II submarine veteran, attended the ceremony to remember his friends and shipmates who died."I knew a lot of those guys that went down on those boats and suffice it to say it is a very private feeling when coming to this," said Hipp. "It is very important for our young Sailors to come to this. These young people coming up today are doing a good job and they are building on the traditions of the submarine service and I tip my hat to them and salute them." The ceremony was held as part of a Memorial Day observance to remember each of the 52 submarines and their crew members lost at sea during World War II. During the ceremony, a short description of what happened to each submarine was read, followed by the number of Sailors lost. A ceremonial bell was then rung in memory of the submarine.

A Military Operations news article 28 May 10HMS Somerset was given a warm send-off by families and friends earlier this week as she deployed to the Gulf for six months to provide security for the Iraqi offshore oil infrastructure.

The Type 23 frigate was seen off by friends and family of the crew from her homeport of Devonport, Plymouth, on Wednesday 26 May 2010, as she deployed to provide security for the Iraqi offshore oil infrastructure, vital to the Iraqi economy and the reconstruction effort of the coalition campaign. HMS Somerset's Commanding Officer, Commander Andrew Burns, said: "My ship's company are well prepared and looking forward to the challenges that lie ahead. "We depart from the UK confident that we can deliver every aspect of our mission to a high standard, contribute to security in the Middle East and maintain the strong reputation of the UK and Royal Navy in the region."

Having completed a demanding period of operational sea training under the Devonport-based Flag Officer Sea Training organisation, the ship and her crew are at the highest level of readiness to deliver their task and a range of activity in support of UK objectives. The ship's equipment is also in first-rate condition after an extensive maintenance period supported by the Devonport dockyard team. The ship's preparations culminated in successful missile firings of her Seawolf point defence missile system. During her deployment HMS Somerset will support Operation ACTIVE ENDEAVOUR in the Mediterranean, providing reassurance and reinforcing freedom of navigation, and will conduct counter-piracy operations off the Horn of Africa. She will also participate in a variety of multinational exercises and support UK strategic interests in the Middle East.

A History and Honour news article 28 May 10HMS Monmouth has acted as an escort to a flotilla of small ships to mark the 70th anniversary of the Battle of Dunkirk.

HMS Monmouth sails alongside the Dunkirk Little Ships flotilla to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the World War Two evacuation [Picture: Leading Airman (Photographer) Dean Nixon, Crown Copyright/MOD 2010]

The Devonport-based Type 23 frigate sailed to the northern French port alongside dozens of civilian vessels to commemorate Operation DYNAMO - the daring rescue of more than 300,000 allied troops in 1940.Monmouth met with the flotilla as they left Ramsgate in Kent on Thursday and led the ships across the English Channel.Aircraft from the Royal Navy Historic Flight swooped over the group as they made the journey towards France.Dotted around the 'Little Ships' were 20 Navy ratings from HMS Collingwood who acted as junior escorts for the civilian vessels taking part.Included in the group of 20 were four Navy divers who train at the Defence Diving School at Horsea Island in Portsmouth. Recently, divers from the school have deployed to Afghanistan to tackle improvised explosive devices laid by the Taliban.

Monmouth and the Little Ships arrived in Dunkirk yesterday afternoon, just a short distance from where the Second World War rescue was carried out.HMS Raider, a P2000 training vessel, helped to escort the civilian ships through the busy waterway.Monmouth's ship's company will take part in a series of commemoration events until Monday 31 May 2010.The ship's Commanding Officer, Commander Tony Long, said:"Operation DYNAMO was an unprecedented feat of maritime 'can do' which will never be forgotten."HMS Monmouth is honoured to escort the fleet of Little Ships across the English Channel, hear the accounts of Dunkirk veterans first-hand and experience the 70th anniversary of Operation DYNAMO."

HMS Monmouth sails alongside the Dunkirk Little Ships flotilla to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the World War Two evacuation [Picture: Leading Airman (Photographer) Dean Nixon, Crown Copyright/MOD 2010]

Lieutenant Jon Sutcliff, a training officer at HMS Collingwood (home of the Maritime Warfare School), said:"We are delighted to be taking part in such an historic event."It gives the trainees the chance to demonstrate to the public the Navy's core values and standards they have been taught."His Royal Highness Prince Michael of Kent is attending the commemoration throughout the weekend.HMS Monmouth will be open to members of the public this Saturday and Sunday from 1400hrs until 1700hrs, alongside the French supply ship BCR Marne and the Belgian Auxiliary Unit 'Stern'.

On Saturday, May 29 will be held at the Dunkirk memorial ceremony marking the 70th anniversary of the Battle of Dunkirk and Operation Dynamo.

The command ship's crew and resupply Marne represent the Navy at that time. The ceremony will also include civil authorities, military and diplomatic whose Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Pierre-Francois Forissier, Liberec Czech delegation, delegations of British veterans, Belgian, Czech and French, the flag and honor guard of the 43rd Infantry Regiment, a section of the Company Gendarmerie mobile defense zone north, two sections of the Air Force Air Base 103 of Cambrai, crews building the Royal Belgian Navy SternA delegation of British military cadets, and the music of the 43rd Infantry Regiment.

Thursday, May 27, 2010

The Ongoing Administration-Wide Response to the Deepwater BP Oil SpillPrepared by the Joint Information CenterUPDATED May 27, 2010 7 PM* For a full timeline of the Administration-wide response, visit the White House Blog.PAST 24 HOURSThe President Updates the American People on the Spill and the Government’s ResponseThe President updated the American people on the status of the BP oil spill. The President said the federal government is directing the effort to contain and cleanup the damage from the spill—which is now the largest effort of its kind in U.S. history. The President also discussed what the government is doing to help the men and women whose livelihoods have been disrupted and even destroyed by this spill as well as the steps he is taking to ensure that a catastrophe like this never happens again. His full remarks can be found here.BP’s “Top Kill” Procedure ContinuesBP continued its attempted “top kill” procedure to cap the well. The procedure has been approved by the Coast Guard, acting on the validation of government scientists and in consultation with the National Incident Commander Admiral Thad Allen.Federal-Independent-Academic Team Releases Initial Flow Rate AssessmentThe National Incident Command’s Flow Rate Technical Group (FRTG) has developed an independent, preliminary estimate of the amount of oil flowing from BP’s leaking oil well.The independent analysis of the Flow Rate Technical Group has determined that the overall best initial estimate for the lower and upper boundaries of flow rates of oil is in the range of 12,000 and 19,000 barrels per day. The FRTG used three separate methodologies to calculate their initial estimate, available here, which they deemed the most scientifically-sound approach, because measurement of the flow of oil is extremely challenging, given the environment, unique nature of the flow, limited visibility, and lack of human access to BP’s leaking oil well.Since day one, the Administration’s deployments of resources and tactics in response to the BP oil spill have been based on a worst-case, catastrophic scenario, and have not been contained by flow rate estimates.Boom is Surged to Coastal Areas Experiencing Greatest Oil ImpactMore than 100,000 feet of boom has been surged to the Louisiana parishes that are facing the greatest risk from the oil. Admiral Allen Approves a Section of Louisiana’s Barrier Island ProposalAdmiral Allen, approved the implementation of a section of Louisiana’s barrier island project proposal that could help stop oil from coming ashore and where work could be completed the fastest—as an integrated part of the federal response to the BP oil spill. This step will save Louisiana the cost of construction for this section by integrating it with the federal government’s ongoing oil spill response—thus paving the road for payment by BP, as a responsible party, or the federal Oil Spill Liability Trust Fund.It will also allow assessment of the effectiveness and environmental impacts of this strategy in one of the areas most at risk of long-term impact by BP's leaking oil.The President is Briefed on the Outlook for the 2010 Hurricane SeasonPresident Obama was briefed by FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate, Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano, NOAA Administrator Dr. Jane Lubchenco and National Hurricane Center Director Bill Read, as well as five FEMA Regional Administrators adding their local prospective, on the outlook for hurricane season and the federal government’s efforts to prepare all federal partners, state and local governments, the private sector and the public for hurricanes and other emergencies. The President stressed that the government must ensure we consider the effects the BP oil spill could have on storms, response capabilities, and recovery efforts in planning for this year’s season but that those considerations do not change the primary mission of emergency management officials during a response, which is to support state efforts to protect lives and property. Successful Controlled BurnFavorable weather conditions allowed responders to conduct a successful controlled burn operation. As part of a coordinated response that combines tactics deployed above water, below water, offshore, and close to coastal areas, controlled burns efficiently remove oil from the open water in an effort to protect shoreline and wildlife. Community Town Halls HeldRepresentatives from Coast Guard, EPA, Department of Commerce BP and state and local officials participated in town hall meetings in Pascagoula, Miss., Pensacola, Fla., and Gulf Port, Miss., to provide an update on the response to Deepwater Horizon BP oil spill and continue the dialogue with members of the community, local business leaders and other organizations. By the Numbers to Date:• Personnel were quickly deployed and approximately 20,000 are currently responding to protect the shoreline and wildlife.• Approximately 1,300 vessels are responding on site, including skimmers, tugs, barges, and recovery vessels to assist in containment and cleanup efforts—in addition to dozens of aircraft, remotely operated vehicles, and multiple mobile offshore drilling units.• More than 1.88 million feet of containment boom and 1.25 million feet of sorbent boom have been deployed to contain the spill—and approximately 280,000 feet of containment boom and 1 million feet of sorbent boom are available. • Approximately 11.5 million gallons of an oil-water mix have been recovered. • Approximately 850,000 gallons of total dispersant have been deployed—700,000 on the surface and 150,000 subsea. More than 400,000 gallons are available.• 17 staging areas are in place and ready to protect sensitive shorelines, including: Dauphin Island, Ala., Orange Beach, Ala., Theodore, Ala., Panama City, Fla., Pensacola, Fla., Port St. Joe, Fla., St. Marks, Fla., Amelia, La., Cocodrie, La., Grand Isle, La., Shell Beach, La., Slidell, La., St. Mary, La.; Venice, La., Biloxi, Miss., Pascagoula, Miss., and Pass Christian, Miss.Resources:• For information about the response effort, visit www.deepwaterhorizonresponse.com.• For specific information about the federal-wide response, visit http://www.whitehouse.gov/deepwater-bp-oil-spill.• To contact the Deepwater Horizon Joint Information Center, call (985) 902-5231.• To volunteer, or to report oiled shoreline, call (866) 448-5816. Volunteer opportunities can also be found here.• To submit your vessel as a vessel of opportunity skimming system, or to submit alternative response technology, services, or products, call 281-366-5511.• To report oiled wildlife, call (866) 557-1401. Messages will be checked hourly.• For information about validated environmental air and water sampling results, visit www.epa.gov/bpspill.• For National Park Service updates about potential park closures, resources at risk, and NPS actions to protect vital park space and wildlife, visit http://www.nps.gov/aboutus/oil-spill-response.htm.• For Fish and Wildlife Service updates about response along the Gulf Coast and the status of national wildlife refuges, visit http://www.fws.gov/home/dhoilspill/.• For daily updates on fishing closures, visit http://sero.nmfs.noaa.gov. • To file a claim with BP, visit www.bp.com/claims or call BP’s helpline at (800) 440-0858. A BP fact sheet with additional information is available here. Those who have already pursued the BP claims process and are not satisfied with BP’s resolution, can call the Coast Guard at (800) 280-7118. More information about what types of damages are eligible for compensation under the Oil Pollution Act as well as guidance on procedures to seek that compensation can be found here. For information about the response effort, visit www.deepwaterhorizonresponse.com.

United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon shakes hands with Master Seaman David Leblanc while onboard HMCS Athabaskan during Fleet Week 2010 in New York City. Master Seaman Leblanc was one of three Canadian sailors personally recognized for their efforts in earthquake-stricken Haiti during Canadian Forces Operation HESTIA. Photo by Greg Kessler.

OTTAWA – Three sailors from HMCS Athabaskan have been personally recognized by United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon for their efforts in earthquake-stricken Haiti during Canadian Forces’ Operation HESTIA earlier this year. Lieutenant (Navy) Kyle Sexton, Master Seaman David Leblanc and Petty Officer 2nd Class Paul Hoveland were largely responsible for the design of three orphanages in Haiti, as well as leading crew members from Athabaskan in the construction of two bunk houses with a kitchen/storage area for each. “We were honoured to have Mr. Ban onboard,” said Commander Peter Crain, Athabaskan’s Commanding Officer. “The three sailors were nervous but extremely proud that someone of the Secretary General's status would want to meet and thank them for their work. PO2 Hoveland has often said that the Haitian deployment was the highlight of his career.” Mr. Ban was aboard Athabaskan in New York City May 25, where the ship was alongside to support the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade with a UN reception and to represent Canada during Fleet Week New York 2010. Over 300 guests including Minister of National Defence Peter MacKay, Ambassador John McNee Permanent Representative of Canada to the UN, and Commander Canadian Fleet Atlantic Commodore Mark Norman, were on hand to see both HMCS Athabaskan and HMCS Halifax praised for their humanitarian work in Haiti. “We were delighted to welcome UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon aboard HMCS Athabaskan, one of two Canadian ships dispatched to Haiti immediately following the earthquake of January 12, where she worked to support the humanitarian efforts in the area of Leogane,” said Ambassador McNee. “ We were very pleased that Mr. Ban Ki-Moon took the time to particularly recognize and thank Lt(N) Sexton, MS Leblanc and PO2 Hoveland for their distinguished work in Haiti in the aftermath of the earthquake, especially for the construction of orphanages for Haitian children.”